Apple’s next VR headset to be designed with AI at its core

Apple’s next-gen spatial computing device: Vision Pro 2, reportedly slated for release by the end of 2025, is set to incorporate an M5 chip and be designed with artificial intelligence capabilities as a core focus.

• The next iteration of Apple’s spatial computing headset is expected to build upon the foundation laid by the original Vision Pro, which was released earlier in 2024.
• This development aligns with Apple’s long-term strategy for AR and VR technologies, positioning the company to advance its spatial computing platform while working towards broader market adoption.

Key improvements and strategic focus: The Vision Pro 2 is rumored to address some of the limitations of its predecessor while maintaining Apple’s commitment to cutting-edge technology.

• The inclusion of the M5 chip suggests a significant boost in processing power, potentially enabling more advanced spatial computing capabilities.
• A strong emphasis on AI integration, referred to as “Apple Intelligence,” indicates that the device will likely offer enhanced features and functionalities leveraging artificial intelligence.
• These upgrades are aimed at keeping the Vision Pro line attractive to early adopters and tech enthusiasts, even as Apple reportedly works on a more affordable Vision device for wider market appeal.

Market positioning and long-term goals: Apple’s strategy with the Vision Pro 2 appears to balance innovation with practicality, addressing immediate concerns while working towards broader adoption of spatial computing.

• The original Vision Pro, while groundbreaking, faced criticism for its high price point and weight, limiting its mass-market potential.
• By focusing on AI capabilities and processing power in the Vision Pro 2, Apple aims to maintain interest in its high-end offering while simultaneously developing a more accessible version of the technology.
• This dual approach allows Apple to continue refining its spatial computing platform and ecosystem while gradually working towards making the technology more mainstream.

Industry context and competitive landscape: Apple’s moves in the spatial computing space are being closely watched by competitors and industry observers.

• The AR/VR market is still in its early stages, with various companies vying for dominance in what many see as the next major computing platform.
• Apple’s approach of releasing a high-end device first, followed by more accessible options, mirrors strategies it has employed with other product lines like the iPhone and Apple Watch.
• The integration of AI capabilities in Vision Pro 2 aligns with broader industry trends, as tech giants increasingly focus on artificial intelligence as a key differentiator in their products and services.

Potential impact on developers and the app ecosystem: The reported upgrades to Vision Pro 2 could have significant implications for the visionOS platform and its developer community.

• Enhanced AI capabilities and more powerful hardware may enable developers to create more sophisticated and immersive applications for the platform.
• The continued evolution of the Vision Pro line could encourage more developers to invest in creating content and apps for visionOS, potentially accelerating the growth of the spatial computing ecosystem.
• As Apple refines its spatial computing offerings, it may also introduce new development tools and frameworks to support AI-driven features, further expanding the possibilities for app creators.

Looking ahead: Balancing innovation and accessibility: Apple’s reported strategy for Vision Pro 2 reflects a careful balance between pushing technological boundaries and working towards broader market adoption.

• While the Vision Pro 2 appears set to showcase Apple’s latest advancements in AI and chip technology, the company’s parallel focus on developing a more affordable Vision device suggests a recognition of the need to expand the user base for spatial computing.
• The success of this dual approach could significantly influence the trajectory of AR/VR adoption and potentially shape the future of computing interfaces.
• As Apple continues to iterate on its Vision products, industry watchers will be keenly observing how the company navigates the challenges of making spatial computing both technologically advanced and accessible to a wider audience.